Wrist clamp tool system and method

Abstract

This application relates to a toggle gripper tool system and method. A toggle gripper tool system includes a pair of toggle grippers and a tool. Each toggle gripper includes a gripper base and a gripper arm. The gripper base is configured to be pivotally coupled to a mounting point on a structure. The gripper arm is pivotally coupled to the gripper base at one end at an arm-base pivot point and has gripper legs at the opposite end for abutting against a surface on the structure. The gripper arm is movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position from which it cannot pivot away from the surface and back towards the disengaged position. The tool is configured to be removably mounted on the gripper base of each toggle gripper when coupled to the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to mechanical clamps, and more specifically to toggle clamping tool systems configured to be removably attached to a structure. Background Technology

[0002] The manufacturing of large commercial aircraft typically involves attaching wings to the fuselage at fuselage side joints on each side of the fuselage. During the wing-to-fuselage attachment process, a temporary gap may exist between the wing and the fuselage side. Due to its height above the factory floor, this temporary gap poses a fall hazard to technicians performing manufacturing operations (such as drilling and installing fasteners) at the fuselage side joints. These manufacturing operations may generate foreign object debris (FOD), such as drill cuttings and fastener components (e.g., nuts, bolts, washers, etc.), which must be collected and contained to prevent contamination of the aircraft.

[0003] It is evident that there is a need in the art for a system and method for covering temporary gaps between the fuselage and wings during aircraft assembly. Ideally, the system for covering the gaps would also provide means for collecting FOD (Factory Objects) that may be generated during manufacturing operations performed during aircraft assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The aforementioned needs associated with temporary gaps in the covering structure are specifically addressed and alleviated by this disclosure, which provides an elbow clamping tool system having a pair of elbow clamps and a tool. Each elbow clamp includes a clamp base and a clamp arm. The clamp base is configured to be pivotally coupled to a mounting point on the structure. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the clamp base at one end at an arm-base pivot point and has clamp feet at the opposite end for abutting against a surface of the structure. The clamp arm is movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position from which it cannot pivot away from the surface and toward the disengaged position. The tool is configured to be removably mounted on the clamp base of each elbow clamp when coupled to the structure.

[0005] Also disclosed is a toggle gripper system for use during aircraft assembly. The toggle gripper system has a pair of toggle grippers and a platform. Each toggle gripper has a gripper base and a gripper arm. The gripper has a gripper attachment configured to be removably attached to a mounting point on the aircraft fuselage. The gripper arm is pivotally attached to the gripper base at one end at an arm-base pivot point and has gripper feet at the opposite end for abutting against a fuselage surface. The gripper arm is movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position from which it cannot pivot away from the surface and back toward the disengaged position. The platform is configured to be removably supported on the gripper base of each of the pair of toggle grippers when attached to the aircraft. The platform is sized to cover the temporary gap between the fuselage and wing during aircraft assembly.

[0006] A method for attaching a platform to a structure is also disclosed. The method includes attaching the clamp base of each of a pair of toggle clamps to one of a pair of spaced-apart mounting points on the structure. Furthermore, the method includes pivoting the clamp arm of each toggle clamp about an arm-base pivot point to move the clamp arm from a disengaged position to an eccentric position, in which the clamp arm cannot pivot back in the opposite direction toward the disengaged position when the clamping feet at the end of the clamp arm are in contact with the surface of the structure. The method also includes mounting a tool on the pair of toggle clamps.

[0007] The features, functions, and advantages already discussed may be implemented independently in various embodiments of this disclosure or may be combined in other embodiments, further details of which can be seen in the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] These and other features of this disclosure will become more apparent when reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always denote the same parts, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 It is a top view of the aircraft during assembly, and shows the temporary structural gaps at the wing-fuselage joints on each side of the aircraft;

[0010] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 A perspective view of the wing-fuselage joint on one side of the aircraft, and a removable platform mounted in the structural gap via a pair of toggle clamps (not shown) removably connected to the fuselage;

[0011] Figure 3 It is installed in the structural gap and supported from below by a pair of toggle clamps. Figure 2 A magnified view of an example of the platform;

[0012] Figure 4 This is an end view of a currently disclosed toggle gripping tool system, the toggle gripping system comprising a pair of toggle grips removably coupled to the body and supporting a tool in the form of a platform mounted on top of the toggle grips;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a bottom-up inside perspective view of the toggle clamping tool system connected to the machine body;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top-down outer perspective view of the elbow clamping tool system;

[0015] Figure 7 An example of a toggle clamp is shown, wherein the toggle clamp is attached to the fuselage via a clamp attachment fitting pinned to a mounting bracket protruding from the fuselage and a clamp shoe abutting against the surface of the fuselage;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an example of a toggle clamp;

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another perspective view of the toggle clamp;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a side view of an example of a toggle gripper in the disengaged position, where the gripper arm is pivoted away from the fuselage surface;

[0019] Figure 11 It is in an off-center position. Figure 10 A side view of the toggle clamp, wherein the clamp arm rests against the fuselage surface;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a side view of the toggle clamping tool system, showing the platform being mounted onto the toggle clamp connected to the machine body;

[0021] Figure 13 It is a bottom-up perspective view showing the platform mounted on a pair of toggle clamps attached to the fuselage;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a top-down perspective view of an example platform component, which has been mounted to a platform and is shown in an extended position for extending the effective length of the platform, and also shows an access plate for covering a platform opening formed in the platform;

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of the platform components, showing the extension plate in the retracted position and the access plate installed in the platform opening;

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figures 14 to 15 The view shows the lower side of the platform component, and shows a pair of plate bosses respectively engaged with a pair of slots formed in the platform for holding the extension plate onto the platform, and also shows rollers integrated into the platform to facilitate the slidable movement of the extension plate.

[0025] Figure 17 This is another example of a platform assembly with an extension plate shown in an extended position, and further shown is an access plate for covering the formed platform opening;

[0026] Figure 18 It shows Figure 17 The platform component, wherein the extension plate is in the retracted position and the entry plate is installed in the platform opening;

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figures 17 to 18 The view of the platform assembly from the bottom shows a plate boss engaging a slot in the platform to hold the extension plate onto the platform, and also shows rollers in the platform to facilitate the slidable movement of the extension plate.

[0028] Figure 20 Is Figures 17 to 19 A side view of an example of a toggle clamping tool system during which the platform is mounted onto the toggle clamp via a pair of leg recesses engaging with a pair of assembly pins mounted in the toggle clamp.

[0029] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A side view of the toggle clamping tool system, showing a platform secured to the toggle clamp via a removable pin (e.g., a ball lock pin);

[0030] Figure 22 This is a top-down perspective view of a toggle clamping tool system, showing an example of a platform assembly, wherein the platform has platform sidewalls for collecting and accommodating debris generated during manufacturing operations, and also shows a removable debris tray for removing debris collected by the platform;

[0031] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A perspective view of the toggle clamping tool system, showing a debris tray being removed from a platform opening in the platform;

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figures 22 to 23 A perspective view of an example of a toggle clamping tool system, showing the mounting of a cover plate and an auxiliary plate to one end of the platform to increase its effective length;

[0033] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24A toggle clamping tool system, wherein a cover plate and an auxiliary plate are mounted on the end of the platform;

[0034] Figure 26 yes Figures 24 to 25 An enlarged view of the platform components shows a cover plate secured to the platform via a removable pin that inserts through a tab in the cover plate and passes through the platform sidewall.

[0035] Figure 27 yes Figures 22 to 23 A side view of an example of a toggle clamping tool system, showing the platform mounted on the toggle clamp via a leg notch engaging with an assembly pin in the toggle clamp.

[0036] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A side view of the toggle clamping tool system, showing the platform secured to the toggle clamp via removable pins;

[0037] Figure 29 This is a top view of a toggle gripping tool system, showing another example of a platform component, where the platform has a similar design to... Figures 22 to 23 The sidewalls of the platform components are constructed, and a miscellaneous tray removed from the platform opening is shown;

[0038] Figure 30 It is similar to Figures 22 to 23 The construction of platform components Figure 29 A perspective view of an example of platform components, showing the cover plate and auxiliary plate mounted to one end of the platform;

[0039] Figure 31 It shows Figure 30 A toggle clamping tool system, wherein a cover plate and an auxiliary plate are mounted on the end of the platform;

[0040] Figure 32 During the process of installing the platform onto the toggle clamp Figures 29 to 31 Side view of the elbow clamping tool system;

[0041] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 A side view of the toggle clamping tool system, showing the platform secured to the toggle clamp via removable pins;

[0042] Figure 34 It is a flowchart of the operations included in the method of temporarily linking tools (e.g., platforms) to a structure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The disclosed examples or types will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, of the disclosed examples or types are shown. In fact, several different examples or versions may be provided, and should not be construed as limiting oneself to the examples or versions set forth herein. Rather, these examples or versions are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0044] This specification includes references to “some examples,” “one example,” or “example.” Instances of the phrases “some examples,” “one example,” or “example” do not necessarily refer to the same example. Specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

[0045] As used herein, “comprising” is an open-ended term, and as used in the claims, it does not exclude additional structures or steps.

[0046] As used herein, “constructed to” means that various parts or components can be described or claimed as being “constructed to” perform one or more tasks. In such a context, “constructed to” is used to imply a structure by indicating that a part or component includes a structure that performs those or more tasks during operation. Thus, a part or component can be said to be constructed to perform a task even when the specified part or component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on).

[0047] As used in this article, an element or step described in the singular form and preceded by the word "a" or "one" should be understood to not necessarily exclude multiple elements or steps.

[0048] As used in this article, when used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of" means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and it may be necessary to have only one of each item in the list. In other words, "at least one" means that any combination of items and the number of items from the list can be used, but not all items in the list are required. Items can be specific objects, things, or categories.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 An example of a commercial aircraft 412 during assembly is shown. The aircraft 412 includes wings 420, a fuselage 414, and a tail section 424. The fuselage 414 is composed of cylindrical sections 416 connected end to end. Figure 1 The diagram also shows a simplified representation of a structural gap 402, which is temporarily present at the wing-fuselage joint 422 on each side of the aircraft 412 during the assembly process.

[0050] Figure 2This is an enlarged view of the wing-fuselage joint 422 on one side of the aircraft 412, showing the structural clearance 402 between the wing 420 and the fuselage 414. A pair of toggle clamps 102 removably connected to the fuselage 414 are also shown. Figure 4 A simplified example of a removable platform 304 installed in the structural clearance 402. Platform 304 is one of various types of tools 300 that can be supported on a pair of toggle clamps 102. The tools 300 (e.g., platform 304) and the pair of toggle clamps 102 constitute the toggle clamp tool system 100 as shown and described herein.

[0051] Figures 3 to 7 An example of a toggle gripping tool system 100 for mounting on an aircraft 412 is shown. Figure 3 A platform 304 is shown that covers at least a portion of the structural gap 402 between the sides of the wing 420 and the fuselage 414. Figure 4 This is an end view of the toggle clamp tool system 100, showing the platform 304 supported from below by the toggle clamp 102. Figures 5 to 6 This is a perspective view of a toggle clamping tool system 100, showing a pair of toggle clamps 102 (e.g., a front toggle clamp 104 and a rear toggle clamp 106) removably coupled to a body 414 and a platform 304 mounted on top of the toggle clamps 102.

[0052] Figure 7 A toggle clamp 102 connected to fuselage 414 is shown. Toggle clamp 102 is pinned to mounting point 406 (i.e., hard point) of structure 400, which in the illustrated example is a mounting bracket 408 protruding from fuselage 414. Additionally, toggle clamp 102 includes clamp legs 144 abutting against surface 404 of fuselage 414. In the illustrated example, toggle clamp 102 includes a compression device 208 for use when toggle clamp 102 is in an eccentric position 184 (…). Figure 11 The clamping pressure of the clamp leg 144 against the surface 404 is maintained as follows.

[0053] exist Figures 3 to 7 In the example, platform 304 is at the wing-fuselage joint 422 ( Figure 2 Portable fall protection is provided to technicians performing manufacturing operations during the assembly of aircraft 412 at point 304. For example, during wing-fuselage joining processes and in situations such as... Figure 2The section joint 418 near the wing-fuselage joint 422, as shown, provides fall protection during the process of joining a cylindrical section to an adjacent cylindrical section. In addition to fall protection, some examples of platform 304 are configured to collect foreign matter debris (FOD) generated during manufacturing operations (e.g., drill cuttings and fastener components (e.g., individual nuts, bolts, washers, etc.) generated during the process of joining cylindrical sections 416), and this foreign matter debris must be collected and contained to prevent FOD contamination of aircraft 412.

[0054] As described in more detail below, the toggle gripping tool system 100 is configured to be temporarily attached to the structure 400. For example, the toggle gripping tool system 100 may be mounted on a generally vertically oriented surface 404 of the structure 400 (such as the side of the fuselage 414 of the aircraft 412). However, the toggle gripping tool system 100 is not limited to a vertically oriented surface and can be mounted on a surface of any orientation. Furthermore, the toggle gripping tool system 100 is not limited to being mounted on the aircraft 412 and can be mounted on any of various types of structures 400 (including any type of vehicle structure and any type of non-vehicle structure).

[0055] Although the tool 300 of the currently disclosed switchable toggle tool system 100 is described in the context of a platform 304 for fall protection, the switchable toggle tool system 100 can alternatively or additionally be used to support any of a variety of different types of tools for performing any of a variety of different types of tasks. For example, the tool 300 may be a workbench or plank (not shown) mounted on a toggle clamp 102 and configured to support the weight of one or more technicians. Alternatively or additionally, the tool 300 may be a toolbox (not shown), a water collection basin (not shown), a welding machine (not shown), or any of a variety of different types of manufacturing equipment. The toggle clamp 102 is configured to support the weight of the tool 300 and the weight of any objects and / or people on the tool 300. In this respect, the weight limitation of the toggle tool system 100 is determined in part by the load-bearing capacity of the hard points on the structure 400 (e.g., mounting bracket 408) and the strength of the surface 404 in response to compressive forces applied by the clamp legs 144 and / or the compression device 208.

[0056] refer to Figures 8 to 9Each toggle clamp 102 includes a clamp base 108, a clamp arm 140, a lever 160, and a link 170, each of which is formed of a structurally rigid material, such as a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) or a high-strength composite material (e.g., carbon fiber composite). The clamp base 108 has an upper base portion 110 and a lower base portion 112, and is formed by a base arm 114 and a pair of base side plates 118 mounted on opposite sides of the base arm 114. The pair of base side plates 118 define a side plate gap 120. The side plate gap 120 is configured to receive tool legs 330 of a tool 300 (e.g., platform 304). Figure 12 (as described in more detail below).

[0057] At the upper base 110, the base arm 114 and the base side plate 118 are fastened together by a pair of assembly pins 128. The assembly pins 128 are also mounted at the lever-base pivot point 165, where the lever 160 is pivotally connected to the clamp base 108. At the lower base 112, the clamp base 108 includes the assembly pin 128 at the arm-base pivot point 142, where the clamp arm 140 is pivotally connected to the clamp base 108. Shear plate 122 ( Figure 9 It is fastened to the edge of the base side plate 118 to provide mechanical stability to the clamp base 108.

[0058] The upper base 110 of the base arm 114 terminates at a clamp attachment 116. The clamp attachment 116 is configured to be pivotally and removably coupled to a mounting point 406 (e.g., a hard point, see [link]) on the structure 400. Figure 7 ).exist Figure 7 In the middle, mounting point 406 is a mounting bracket 408 having a mounting tab 410 protruding from structure 400.

[0059] exist Figures 8 to 11 In the example, the clamp attachment 116 is a U-shaped clamp fitting configured to engage with the mounting tab 410 via a removable pin 124 (such as a ball-lock pin). The removable pin 124 is attached to the clamp base 108 via a tether 126. The pin-connection between the clamp attachment 116 and the mounting bracket 408 allows the toggle clamp 102 to pivot during installation and removal from the structure 400. However, the clamp attachment 116 may have any of a variety of alternative configurations that allow pivotal movement of the toggle clamp 102, and is not limited to a U-shaped clamp fitting.

[0060] Although the clamp base 108 is shown as an assembly of parts (e.g., base arm 114, base side plate 118, shear plate 122, etc.) connected together via assembly pin 128 and mechanical fastener 130, the clamp base 108 in an alternative configuration (not shown) may be provided as a single integral part.

[0061] exist Figures 8 to 11 In this fixture, the base 108 includes a compression device 208 in the form of a compression arm 200, which extends upward from the upper portion 110 of the base near the fixture attachment 116. More specifically, the compression arm 200 protrudes from the base 108 on the side of the fixture attachment 116 opposite to the fixture leg 144. In the example shown, the compression arm 200 is integral with the fixture base 108. A compression pad 204 is mounted to the compression arm 200, the outer surface of which is preferably formed of a plastic or elastomeric material to prevent damage to the surface 404 of the structure 400. When the toggle clamp 102 is in the eccentric position 184 ( Figure 11 When the clamping arm 140 abuts the surface 404, the compression pad 204 is configured to abut against the surface 404 and counteract the compressive force applied by the surface 404 of the clamping arm 140. In this respect, the compression arm 200 mechanically stabilizes the toggle clamp 102 by maintaining the clamping pressure (e.g., compressive force) on the surface 404 of the abutment structure 400.

[0062] In the example shown, compression device 208 is compression adjustment mechanism 202, which is configured to allow adjustment of the compressive force (i.e., clamping pressure) of compression pad 204 (and clamping leg 144) against surface 404 when toggle clamp 102 is in eccentric position 184. Compression adjustment mechanism 202 is adjustable to achieve a desired range (e.g., 5-10 psi) of compressive force at compression pad 204 before tool 300 (e.g., platform 304) is mounted on toggle clamp 102. In the example shown, compression adjustment mechanism 202 includes compression pad 204 mounted on threaded shaft 206, which is threadedly engaged with compression arm 200. During the process of attaching clamp attachment accessory 116 to mounting bracket 408, when clamping arm 140 is in disengaged position 178 ( Figure 10 Moved to the eccentric position 184 ( Figure 11 When the compression force is adjusted, it is repeatedly adjusted by manually rotating the compression pad 204 (i.e., and the threaded shaft 206) in either direction.

[0063] In another example of the toggle clamp 102 (not shown), the compression device 208 may be non-adjustable. However, for a non-adjustable compression arm 200, the toggle clamp 102 is preferably configured to complement the geometry of the structure 400 such that when the clamp arm 140 is in the eccentric position 184, the magnitude of the compressive force on the compression pad 204 will be within the desired range (e.g., 5-10 pounds at the compression pad 204).

[0064] Still referencing Figures 8 to 11 A clamping arm 140 is pivotally connected at one end to a base arm 114 at an arm-base pivot point 142 (located at the lower base 112). The clamping arm 140 is sized to fit between base side plates 118. Opposite ends of the clamping arm 140 have clamping feet 144 for abutting against a surface 404 of the structure 400. The clamping feet 144 are pivotally connected to the ends of the clamping arm 140 and optionally include replaceable clamping pads 146 formed of plastic or elastomeric material to serve as pads to prevent damage to the structure 400 from the abutting surface 404.

[0065] In the example shown, the toggle clamp 102 has an anti-rotation mechanism 148 in the form of an anti-rotation plate 150. The anti-rotation plate 150 is mounted to the clamp arm 140 and has an outwardly angled anti-rotation tab 152 configured to abut against the clamp arm 140 and restrict rotation of the clamp leg 144 relative to the clamp arm 140. The anti-rotation tab 152 holds the clamp leg 144 in a generally facing orientation towards the surface 404, which facilitates mounting the toggle clamp 102 to the structure 400.

[0066] Still referencing Figures 8 to 11 The clamp arm 140 is pivotable about the arm-base pivot point 142 and can move between the disengaged position 178 and the eccentric position 184 (i.e., the engaged position). Figure 10 An example of the toggle clamp 102 in the disengaged position 178 is shown, in which the clamp leg 144 is separated from the surface 404 of the structure 400. Figure 11 The toggle clamp 102 is shown in an eccentric position 184, in which clamp legs 144 abut against surface 404 of structure 400, as does compression pad 204.

[0067] The toggle clamp 102 includes a lever 160 having a lever pivot end 164 and a lever handle end 166. In the example shown, the lever 160 consists of a pair of lever plates 162 located on opposite sides of the base side plate 118 and the connecting rod plate 172, respectively. The lever pivot end 164 is pivotally connected to the clamp base 108 at a lever-base pivot point 165. The lever 160 has a lever handle 168, which is pivotally connected to the lever handle end 166.

[0068] The toggle clamp 102 also includes a link 170, which is pivotally connected at one end to a clamp arm 140 at a link-arm pivot 174 located between an arm-base pivot 142 and a clamp leg 144, and at the opposite end to a lever 160 at a link-lever pivot 176 located between a lever-base pivot 165 and a lever handle 168. In the example shown, the link 170 consists of a pair of link plates 172 located on opposite sides of the clamp arm 140 and between a pair of lever plates 162.

[0069] By pulling the lever handle 168 until the linkage-lever pivot point 176 moves slightly beyond the dead center position 180. Figure 12 The clamp arm 140 can be disengaged from position 178. Figure 10 Moved to the eccentric position 184 ( Figure 11 In the dead position 180, the lever-base pivot point 165, the link-arm pivot point 174, and the link-lever pivot point 176 are aligned with each other (i.e., straight alignment 182). The lever handle 168 is movable: by a technician reaching down from above the toggle clamp 102, grasping the lever handle 168, and pulling the lever handle 168 in the direction toward surface 404, the link-lever pivot point 176 is moved from the disengaged position 178 to the eccentric position 184.

[0070] When the toggle clamp 102 is in the eccentric position 184 and the clamp leg 144 and compression device 208 are clamped against the surface 404, the clamp arm 140 cannot pivot away from the surface 404. In this position, the clamp leg 144 is locked against the surface 404, thus preventing accidental disengagement of the clamp leg 144 without first pivoting the lever 160 in such a way that the link-lever pivot point 176 moves from the eccentric position 184, through the dead position 180, and into the disengaged position 178. The lever 160 is movable: by a technician reaching down from above the toggle clamp 102, grasping the lever handle 168, and pushing the lever 160 away from the surface 404.

[0071] It is worth noting that the lever 160 of the toggle clamp 102 has a U-shaped configuration that spans across the clamp arm 140 such that it positions the lever handle 168 on the same side of the clamp arm 140 as the clamp attachment 116. The U-shaped configuration of the lever 160 results in the lever handle 168 being positioned between the clamp attachment 116 and the clamp leg 144, thereby allowing a technician to pass through the platform opening 338 in the platform 304. Figure 14 The lever handle 168 is reached, thus approaching it from a top-down direction. In this way, a technician positioned above the toggle clamp 102 can grasp the lever handle 168 and push the lever 160 away from the surface 404 and pull the lever 160 toward the surface 404, respectively, to move the clamp between an eccentric position 184 and a disengaged position 178.

[0072] In this disclosure, any reference to the toggle clamp 102, clamp arm 140, or other clamping components in the eccentric position 184 means that the linkage-lever pivot point 176 has moved from the disengaged position 178 (e.g., Figure 10 Move slightly beyond the dead point by 180 degrees. Figure 11 The position of the dead point 180 is as described above, where the lever-base pivot point 165, the link-arm pivot point 174, and the link-lever pivot point 176 are aligned with each other. In some examples, when the toggle clamp 102 is in the eccentric position 184, the clamp leg 144 can be kept in contact with the surface 404 of the structure 400 solely by the weight of the toggle clamp 102 and any tools 300 it supports, without the need for a balancing force (e.g., compressive force) of the compression device 208 against the surface 404.

[0073] refer to Figures 12 to 13 An example of a platform 304 mounted on a pair of toggle clamps 102 is shown, the toggle clamps 102 being held to the structure 400. As described above and in Figure 8 As shown, the clamp base 108 of each toggle clamp 102 includes one or more assembly pins 128 extending through the upper base portion 110 of the clamp base 108. The assembly pins 128 span the side plate gap 120 between the base side plates 118. Figures 8 to 9 And extend. Each assembly pin 128 may be covered by a sleeve or bushing (not shown).

[0074] like Figures 12 to 13As shown, the tool 300 (e.g., platform 304) has a pair of vertically oriented tool legs 330 (e.g., platform legs 332) projecting downward from the underside of the tool 300. Each tool leg 330 has a thickness sized to fit within the side plate gap 120. Additionally, the bottom edge of each tool leg 330 includes a pair of leg recesses 334 configured to mount on a pair of assembly pins 128 in the clamp base 108 to support the tool 300 (e.g., platform 304) on the toggle clamp 102.

[0075] Each tool leg 330 (e.g., platform leg 332) optionally has a pair of tapered wedges 336 mounted on opposite sides of the tool leg 330 to reduce any clearance between each side of the tool leg 330 and the base side plate 118. The tapered wedges 336 on each tool leg 330 can reduce or prevent lateral movement of each tool leg 330 within the side plate clearance 120. Although the platform 304 can be held in place on the toggle clamp 102 by gravity, Figures 4 to 6 In the example, platform 304 is actively locked to toggle clamp 102 via removable pin 124 (e.g., ball lock pin) (inserted through holes formed in the base side plate 118 of each tool leg 330 and each toggle clamp 102), as Figures 4 to 5 and Figures 7 to 9 As shown. Each removable pin 124 is attached to the elbow clamp 102 via rope 126.

[0076] refer to Figures 14 to 33 This illustrates several different configurations of platform component 302, each of which can be configured as follows: Figures 12 to 13 The platform assembly 302 is mounted on a pair of toggle clamps 102 as shown. Each platform assembly 302 includes a platform base 306, and each platform assembly 302 is modular because various components can be removed, replaced, and / or added to the platform base 306 to change the overall construction of the platform assembly 302. In this disclosure, the terms "platform" and "platform assembly" are used interchangeably.

[0077] refer to Figures 14 to 15 An example of platform assembly 302 is shown, wherein the platform base 306 includes a plate having an upwardly angled inner edge (e.g., at approximately a 45-degree angle) and a vertically downward-facing outer edge, such as Figure 13As shown. Platform 304 is partially surrounded by platform cushioning pad 322, which is preferably formed of a cushioning material such as an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber, foam, etc.). Platform cushioning pad 322 extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of platform 304 to prevent damage to structure 400 during installation, use, and removal from toggle clamp 102 of platform assembly 302.

[0078] Figure 14 A platform opening 338 formed in the platform base 306 is shown to provide access to the area below the platform 304. For example, a technician can reach down through the platform opening 338 and install or remove a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball-lock pin), which is inserted via a tool leg 330 and a toggle clamp 102 to securely lock the platform 304 to the toggle clamp 102, as shown. Figures 4 to 5 and Figures 7 to 9 As shown and as stated above. Figure 15 The platform opening 338 is shown covered by a manually removable access panel 340, which is held in place by gravity. Figure 16 As shown, the access board 340 can be tethered to the platform base 306 via the tether 126.

[0079] refer to Figures 14 to 16 Platform component 302 includes a slidable extension plate 360 ​​configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of platform 304 in a manner that increases the effective length of platform 304. Figure 14 The extension plate 360 ​​is shown in the extended position 370, and Figure 15 An extension plate 360 ​​in the retracted position 368 is shown. The extension plate 360 ​​is secured to the platform 304 via one or more plate bosses 362, which are engaged with longitudinal platform grooves 320 formed in the platform base 306. Figures 14 to 16 In the example, the extension plate 360 ​​is joined to two platform slots 320 formed in the platform base 306.

[0080] like Figure 16 As shown, each plate boss 362 has a flared portion 364 on one side of the platform base 306. An extension plate 360 ​​is located on the side of the platform base 306 opposite to the flared portion 364. Each plate boss 362 has a width complementary to the width of the platform groove 320 into which the plate boss is inserted. The plate boss 362 is secured to the extension plate 360 ​​by mechanical fasteners 130.

[0081] Each extension plate 360 ​​has an extension plate handle 366 for manually sliding the extension plate 360 ​​to a desired position to increase the length of the platform 304. The underside of the platform 304 includes rollers 374 to facilitate slidable movement of the extension plates 360. For this purpose, the extension plate 360 ​​includes one or more longitudinal ribs 372 that project from the bottom of the extension plate 360 ​​and rest on the rollers 374.

[0082] refer to Figures 17 to 19 , showed Figures 14 to 16 A narrower version of platform assembly 302. Platform 304 has a platform opening 338 to provide access to the area beneath platform 304 for inserting a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) to lock platform assembly 302 to toggle clamp 102. As described above, platform opening 338 is covered by a removable access plate 340. Additionally, Figures 17 to 19 Platform component 302 includes a sliding extension plate 360 ​​for increasing the effective length of the platform. Similar to... Figures 14 to 15 The arrangement shown allows the extension plate 360 ​​to be locked in the extension position 370 by inserting a removable pin 124 through holes formed in the extension plate 360 ​​and the platform 304.

[0083] Figures 20 to 21 It is Figures 17 to 19 The platform assembly 302 is mounted on the toggle clamp 102 in a side view. As described above, the tool legs 330 (e.g., platform legs 332) of the platform 304 include a pair of leg recesses 334 configured to engage with a pair of assembly pins 128 in the upper base portion 110 of the toggle clamp 102. Figure 21 The diagram shows a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) inserted through holes in the toggle clamp 102 and the tool leg 330 to securely lock the platform 304 to the toggle clamp 102.

[0084] refer to Figures 22 to 33 An example of a platform component 302 with sidewalls is shown. Although Figures 13 to 21 Platform component 302 is primarily constructed to cover structural gaps 402 to provide fall protection for technicians, but Figures 22 to 33 Platform component 302 has the additional capability to collect and contain foreign matter debris (FOD) generated during manufacturing operations. For example, Figures 22 to 33 Platform component 302 provides the ability to collect and contain drill cuttings and fastener components (e.g., nuts, bolts, washers, etc.) generated during drilling and fastener installation.

[0085] exist Figures 22 to 23In this configuration, platform assembly 302 is formed as a welded component, comprising a platform base 306 and platform sidewalls 308 extending upward from the platform base 306. In the example shown, platform assembly 302 has an inner sidewall 310, an outer sidewall 312, a front sidewall 314, and a rear sidewall 316. Platform sidewalls 308 provide means for containing FOD that falls onto platform 304 during use, thereby preventing FOD from falling into structure 400 and contaminating structure 400, as is seen in wing-fuselage joints 422 of aircraft 412. Figure 2 The key areas are important. Figures 22 to 23 In the middle, the front sidewall 314 and the rear sidewall 316 are joined (e.g., welded) to the platform base 306, and include one or more gusset plates 318 for reinforcement.

[0086] exist Figures 22 to 25 In the example, platform component 302 may optionally include an auxiliary support bracket 324, which is configured to abut against structure 400. Figure 28 As part of the platform 304, in addition to the toggle clamp 102, the auxiliary support brackets 324 are configured to provide backup support for the platform 304, which is otherwise designed to bear all normal, expected loads on the platform 304. In the example shown, when viewed from the side, each of the auxiliary support brackets 324 has an L-shaped configuration and is coupled (e.g., welded) to the outer wall 312 of the platform. Figures 27 to 28 As shown, each auxiliary support bracket has a horizontal tab 326, which includes a tab buffer pad 328 below to abut against structure 400.

[0087] exist Figures 22 to 23 In this embodiment, platform 304 has a removable debris tray 342 for removing debris collected by platform 304 during manufacturing operations. Platform 304 has a platform opening 338 configured to receive the debris tray 342. The debris tray 342 has a tray handle 344, which is a tubular member extending across the length of the debris tray 342. Platform opening 338 provides means for accessing an area below platform 304 for inserting a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) that locks platform 304 to toggle clamp 102. When the debris tray 342 is installed in platform opening 338, debris collected by platform 304 can be manually swept into the debris tray 342 with a brush or broom, and then the debris tray 342 can be lifted out of platform opening 338 and its contents disposed of in a waste container.

[0088] refer to Figures 24 to 25Platform assembly 302 optionally includes a cover plate 346 configured to be removably mounted to an end of platform 304 to increase the effective length of platform 304. In this regard, the end of cover plate 346 has a plate recess 350 configured to insert above an end sidewall of the platform (e.g., front sidewall 314 or rear sidewall 316). Figure 26 As shown, a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) is inserted into a hole formed in a tab in the cover plate 346 and into a corresponding hole in the inner sidewall 310 to hold the cover plate 346 together with the platform assembly 302.

[0089] Platform assembly 302 may additionally include an auxiliary plate 348 configured to connect to cover plate 346. For example, a plate notch 350 in auxiliary plate 348 inserts above the vertical flange of cover plate 346, such as... Figure 24 As shown. The auxiliary plate 348 locally increases the width of the platform component 302.

[0090] refer to Figures 27 to 28 This shows that Figures 22 to 26 The side view of the platform component 302 mounted on the toggle clamp 102. Similar to... Figures 20 to 21 The installation process described above is shown in the figure. Figures 27 to 28 The tool recess (e.g., foot recess 334) in the tool foot 330 (e.g., platform foot 332) descends onto the assembly pin 128 in the upper base 110 of each toggle clamp 102. Figure 28 As shown, a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) is inserted through holes in the toggle clamp 102 and the tool leg 330 to securely lock the platform 304 to the toggle clamp 102. Figure 28 The diagram also shows an auxiliary support bracket 324 configured to abut against a portion of a structure 400 (e.g., the wing 420 of aircraft 412) to provide backup support for platform 304 (in addition to the support provided by the toggle clamp 102). The auxiliary support bracket 324 has a horizontal tab 326 containing a tab buffer pad 328 configured to abut against structure 400. The tab buffer pad 328 is preferably formed of a material such as an elastomeric material to prevent damage to the surface 404 of structure 400.

[0091] refer to Figures 29 to 31 , showed Figures 22 to 28 A narrower version of platform component 302. Figures 29 to 31Platform 304 has a platform opening 338 for accessing an area beneath platform 304 to insert a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin), which locks platform 304 to toggle clamp 102. Platform assembly 302 also has a removable debris tray 342 for removing debris collected by the platform, similar to the one described above. Figures 22 to 23 The arrangement.

[0092] refer to Figures 30 to 31 Platform component 302 may optionally include a cover plate 346 configured to be removably mounted to an end of platform 304, as described above for... Figure 24-26 Additionally, platform component 302 may include an auxiliary plate 348 configured to connect to cover plate 346 to locally increase the width of platform component 302. Figures 30 to 31 The auxiliary board 348 in the text is similar to the one mentioned above. Figures 24 to 25 The described arrangement includes an auxiliary plate 348 with a plate notch 350 inserted above the vertical flange of the cover plate 346.

[0093] Figures 32 to 33 It is shown Figures 29 to 31 A side view of the platform assembly 302 mounted on the toggle clamp 102, wherein the foot recess 334 in the tool leg 330 is mounted on the top of the assembly pin 128 in the upper base 110 of the toggle clamp 102. A removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) is then inserted through holes in the toggle clamp 102 and the tool leg 330 to securely lock the platform 304 to the toggle clamp 102, as shown. Figure 33 As shown.

[0094] refer to Figure 34 This illustrates a method 500 for attaching a tool 300 (e.g., platform 304) to a structure 400 (e.g., aircraft 412). Step 502 of method 500 includes attaching the clamp base 108 of each of a pair of toggle clamps 102 to one of a pair of spaced-apart mounting points 406 on the structure 400. Figure 7 As shown and as described above, mounting point 406 is a hard point on structure 400, which can be configured as mounting bracket 408, each mounting bracket 408 having a mounting tab 410 protruding from structure 400.

[0095] In some examples, step 502 of attaching the clamp base 108 of each toggle clamp 102 to the mounting point 406 on the structure 400 includes: passing a removable pin 124 through a clamp attachment fitting 116 of the clamp base 108 and mounting the removable pin 124 into the mounting tab 410. For example... Figure 7As shown, the removable pin 124 can be configured as a ball-locking pin, which is fastened to the toggle clamp 102. The toggle clamp 102 is typically in the disengaged position 178 before the clamp base 108 is pinned (e.g., via the removable pin) to the mounting point 406 on the structure 400. Figure 10 ).like Figure 10 As shown and as described above, the clamp leg 144 may include an anti-rotation mechanism 148 to hold the clamp leg 144 in an orientation generally facing the surface 404 when preparing to move the clamp arm 140 from the disengaged position 178 to the eccentric position 184.

[0096] Step 504 of method 500 includes: pivoting the clamp arm 140 of each toggle clamp 102 about its arm-base pivot point 142 to move the clamp arm 140 from the disengaged position 178. Figure 10 Moved to the eccentric position 184 ( Figure 11 More specifically, step 504, which pivots the clamp arm 140 of each toggle clamp 102 from the disengaged position 178 to the eccentric position 184, includes pulling a lever handle 168 on one end of a lever 160, the lever being pivotally coupled to the clamp base 108 at a lever-base pivot point 165. As described above, the lever 160 is coupled to the clamp via a link 170, one end of which is coupled to the clamp arm 140 at a link-arm pivot point 174 located between the arm-base pivot point 142 and the clamp leg 144, and the opposite end of the link 170 is coupled to the lever 160 at a link-lever pivot point 176 located between the lever-base pivot point 165 and the lever handle 168.

[0097] It is worth noting that, such as Figures 10 to 11 As shown and as described above, by pulling lever handle 168 until the link-lever pivot point 176 moves slightly beyond the dead point position 180 (the dead point position 180 is the position where the lever-base pivot point 165, link-arm pivot point 174, and link-lever pivot point 176 are aligned with each other in a straight line alignment 182), the clamp arm 140 is moved from the disengaged position 178 to the eccentric position 184. When the clamp arm 140 is in the eccentric position 184 and under clamping force (e.g., 5-10 psi), any increase in the compressive force of the clamp legs 144 and compression pad 204 against surface 404 (e.g., due to the weight of the platform 304 on the toggle clamp) will not cause the clamp arm 140 to pivot away from surface 404.

[0098] The lever handle 168 is mounted to the U-shaped lever 160 spanning the clamp arm 140 in such a manner that the lever handle 168 is positioned on the same side of the clamp arm 140 as the clamp attachment 116. This allows a technician to access the lever handle 168 from above the toggle clamp 102 from a downward position. From this position, the technician can pull the lever 160 toward the surface 404, which disengages the toggle clamp 102 from the disengagement position 178. Figure 10 Moved to the eccentric position 184 ( Figure 11 ).

[0099] In some examples, step 504 of pivoting the clamp arm 140 to the eccentric position 184 includes adjusting the clamping pressure on the surface 404 of the structure 400 via the compression adjustment mechanism 202 when the toggle clamp 102 is moved to the eccentric position 184. As described above and Figure 11 As shown, the compression adjustment mechanism 202 has a compression pad 204 fixedly mounted on a threaded shaft 206. The threaded shaft 206 is engaged with a threaded hole in a compression arm 200, which protrudes above a base arm 114. Rotation of the compression pad 204 causes adjustment of the magnitude of the compressive force on surface 404. In one example, the compression pad 204 can be adjusted iteratively while the lever handle 168 is pulled to move the clamp to an eccentric position 184 until the compressive force applied by the compression pad 204 is within a predetermined range (e.g., 5-10 pounds). In this respect, the compressive force at the compression pad 204 is preferably high enough that the toggle clamp 102 is "clamped" against structure 400, but low enough to prevent damage to surface 404 of structure 400 due to excessive compressive force.

[0100] refer to Figures 12 to 13 Once the two toggle clamps 102 are coupled to the structure 400, the method includes step 506, which includes mounting a tool 300 (e.g., platform 304) onto the pair of toggle clamps 102. As described above, the tool 300 includes downwardly projecting tool legs 330, each tool leg 330 including a pair of leg recesses 334 on its bottom edge, such as... Figure 12 As shown. Step 506 of mounting tool 300 on toggle clamp 102 includes engaging the leg recess 334 with the assembly pin 128 located in the upper base portion 110 of each toggle clamp 102, as shown. Figure 8 As shown. As described above, the dimensions of each tool leg 330 are set to fit within the side plate gap 120 between the base side plates 118 constituting the toggle clamp 102. In some examples, each tool leg 330 has a tapered wedge 336 mounted on each of its opposite sides to occupy or reduce any gap between each side of the tool leg 330 and the base side plate 118.

[0101] Once the foot recess 334 of each tool leg 330 is placed on the assembly pin 128 of the toggle clamp 102, a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) is inserted through the hole formed in the base side plate 118 of each tool leg 330 and each toggle clamp 102, as... Figures 4 to 5 and Figures 7 to 9 As shown. The removable pin 124 securely locks the tool leg 330 to the toggle clamp 102. As described above and... Figure 14 , Figure 17 , Figure 23 , Figure 29 As shown, each platform 304 configuration includes a platform opening 338 that provides access to the area below the platform. The platform opening 338 allows a technician to reach down through the platform opening 338 and install or remove a removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball lock pin) that securely locks the platform 304 to the toggle clamp 102.

[0102] Once the removable pin 124 is installed, the platform opening 338 can be covered by a suitably constructed plate. For example, access to plate 340 (e.g., Figure 14 and Figure 17 ) or miscellaneous tray 342 (e.g., Figure 23 and Figure 29 The tool 300 (e.g., platform 304) can be installed in the platform opening 338. Removing the tool 300 from the structure 400 is performed by reversing the steps described above.

[0103] In some examples, method 500 includes reconstructing platform 304 by replacing and / or adding various components to the basic body of platform 304 to alter its overall construction. For example, the method may include mounting an extension plate 360 ​​onto platform 304, such as... Figures 14 to 15 and Figures 17 to 18 As shown. As described above, each extension plate 360 ​​can be fixed to a longitudinal slot formed in the body of the platform 304. Once installed, the method involves sliding the extension plate 360 ​​in the longitudinal direction in a manner that changes the effective length of the platform 304.

[0104] In another example of platform reconstruction, the method may include: entering board 340 ( Figures 14 to 15 ) or miscellaneous tray 342 ( Figures 22 to 23 Insert it into the platform opening 338. As described above, when the debris tray 342 is installed in the platform opening 338, the method may include: sweeping the debris collected by the platform 304 into the debris tray 342 using a brush or broom, after which the debris tray 342 can be lifted out of the platform opening 338, and the contents of the debris tray are disposed of in a waste container.

[0105] In another example of reconstructing platform 304, the method may include: removably mounting cover 346 to an end of platform 304 in a manner that increases the effective length of platform 304. Figures 24 to 26 and Figures 30 to 31 As shown, the method may include engaging a plate notch 350 on the end of the cover plate 346 with a front sidewall 314 or a rear sidewall 316 of the platform 304. A removable pin 124 (e.g., a ball-locking pin) may be inserted into a hole formed in the end of the cover plate 346 and into a corresponding hole in the front sidewall 314 as a means of retaining the cover plate 346 with the platform assembly 302. Similarly, the local width of the platform 304 may be extended by attaching an auxiliary plate 348 to the cover plate 346, as... Figure 24 and Figure 30 As shown. As described above, the plate recess 350 in the auxiliary plate 348 is inserted above the vertical flange of the cover plate 346.

[0106] This application involves the following provisions:

[0107] 1. A toggle-joint clamping tool system, the toggle-joint clamping tool system comprising:

[0108] A pair of toggle clamps, each of the pair of toggle clamps comprising:

[0109] A clamp base, the clamp base being configured to be pivotally connected to a mounting point on the structure;

[0110] A clamping arm, said clamping arm being pivotally connected at one end to said clamping base at an arm-base pivot point, and having clamping legs at opposite ends for abutting against a surface of said structure, and said clamping arm being movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position, said clamping arm being unable to pivot back from said eccentric position away from said surface toward said disengaged position; and

[0111] A tool configured to be removably mounted on the clamp base of each of the pair of toggle clamps when coupled to the structure.

[0112] 2. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 1, wherein each toggle clamp comprises:

[0113] A lever, wherein one end of the lever is pivotally connected to the base of the clamp at a lever-base pivot point, and the lever has a lever handle at the opposite end of the lever;

[0114] A link, wherein one end of the link is connected to the clamp arm at a link-arm pivot point located between the arm-base pivot point and the clamp leg, and the opposite end is connected to the lever at a link-lever pivot point located between the lever-base pivot point and the lever handle; and

[0115] Specifically, by pulling the lever handle until the link-lever pivot point moves beyond the dead point position, the clamp arm can move from the disengaged position to the eccentric position. At the dead point position, the lever-base pivot point, the link-arm pivot point, and the link-lever pivot point are aligned with each other.

[0116] 3. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 2, wherein:

[0117] The clamp base has a clamp attachment fitting, which is configured to be removably attached to the mounting point on the structure; and

[0118] Each toggle clamp has a lever with a U-shaped configuration that spans the clamp arm in such a way that the lever handle is positioned on the same side of the clamp arm as the clamp attachment fitting.

[0119] 4. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 1, wherein:

[0120] At least one of the pair of toggle clamps has a compression adjustment mechanism with a compression pad, and the compression adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the clamping pressure of the compression pad against the surface when the clamp arm moves to the eccentric position.

[0121] 5. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 1, wherein the clamp base comprises:

[0122] A base arm having a base upper portion and the base upper portion including a clamp attachment fitting configured to attach to the mounting point on the structure, and the clamp arm being pivotally connected to the base arm at an arm-base pivot point; and

[0123] A pair of base side plates are mounted on opposite sides of the base arm and define a side plate gap configured to receive the clamp arm at the arm-base pivot point.

[0124] 6. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 1, wherein:

[0125] The clamp base includes one or more assembly pins extending through the clamp base; and

[0126] The tool has a pair of tool legs, and each tool leg includes one or more recesses configured to receive on one or more assembly pins in the base of the clamp, thereby supporting the tool on the pair of toggle clamps.

[0127] 7. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 1, wherein:

[0128] The tools include platforms.

[0129] 8. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 7, wherein the toggle clamping tool system further comprises:

[0130] A debris tray is configured to collect debris that falls onto the platform, and the platform has a platform opening configured to receive the debris tray.

[0131] 9. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 7, further comprising:

[0132] A cover plate, which is configured to be removably mounted on the platform in a manner that increases the effective length of the platform.

[0133] 10. The toggle clamping tool system according to Clause 7, wherein the toggle clamping tool system further comprises:

[0134] An extension plate is configured to be mounted on the platform and slide in the longitudinal direction in a manner that increases the effective length of the platform.

[0135] 11. A toggle-joint clamping tool system, the toggle-joint clamping tool system comprising:

[0136] A pair of toggle clamps, each of the pair of toggle clamps comprising:

[0137] The clamp base has a clamp attachment accessory configured to be removably attached to a mounting point on the fuselage of the aircraft.

[0138] A clamping arm, pivotally connected at one end to a clamping base at an arm-base pivot point, and having clamping legs at opposite ends for abutting against a surface of the machine body; the clamping arm is movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position, and the clamping arm cannot pivot back from the eccentric position away from the surface toward the disengaged position; and

[0139] A platform is configured to be removably supported on the base of each of the pair of toggle clamps when coupled to the aircraft, and the platform is sized to cover the temporary gap between the fuselage and the wing during the assembly of the aircraft.

[0140] 12. A method for connecting a platform to a structure, the method comprising the steps of:

[0141] The base of each of the two toggle clamps is connected to one of a pair of spaced-apart mounting points on the structure.

[0142] The clamping arm of each of the pair of toggle clamps is pivoted about an arm-base pivot point, such that the clamping arm moves from a disengaged position to an eccentric position, in which the clamping arm cannot pivot back in the opposite direction toward the disengaged position when a clamping leg at one end of the clamping arm contacts the surface of the structure; and

[0143] Mount the tool onto the pair of toggle clamps.

[0144] 13. The method according to Clause 12, wherein the step of pivoting the clamp arm of each toggle clamp from the disengaged position to the eccentric position comprises:

[0145] Pull the lever handle at one end of the lever, which is pivotally connected to the base of the clamp at the lever-base pivot point;

[0146] The lever is connected to the clamp arm via a link, the link being connected to the clamp arm at one end at a link-arm pivot point located between the arm-base pivot point and the clamp leg, and connected to the lever at the opposite end at a link-lever pivot point located between the lever-base pivot point and the lever handle; and

[0147] By pulling the lever handle until the link-lever pivot point moves beyond the dead position, the clamp arm can move from the disengaged position to the eccentric position, where the lever-base pivot point, the link-arm pivot point, and the link-lever pivot point are aligned with each other at the dead position.

[0148] 14. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the step of pulling the lever handle comprises:

[0149] Pulling the lever handle on the lever, the lever handle having a U-shaped configuration that spans across the clamp arm in such a way that the lever handle is positioned on the same side of the clamp arm as the clamp attachment fitting at the clamp base, and the clamp attachment fitting is removably connected to the mounting point on the structure.

[0150] 15. The method according to Clause 12, further comprising the following steps:

[0151] When the clamping arm is moved to the eccentric position, the clamping pressure of the compression pad against the surface of the structure is adjusted via the compression adjustment mechanism.

[0152] 16. The method according to Clause 12, wherein the step of connecting the clamp base of each toggle clamp to one of the pair of mounting points on the structure comprises:

[0153] Pass the removable pin through the clamp attachment at the base of the clamp and install the removable pin into the mounting tab protruding from the structure.

[0154] 17. The method according to Clause 12, wherein the step of mounting the tool on the pair of toggle clamps comprises:

[0155] The notch in the tool leg engages with the mounting pin in the base of the fixture.

[0156] 18. The method according to Clause 12, further comprising the step of:

[0157] After the platform is mounted on the toggle clamp, the debris tray is installed in the platform opening.

[0158] 19. The method according to Clause 12, further comprising the step of:

[0159] The cover plate is installed at the end of the platform in a manner that increases the effective length of the platform.

[0160] 20. The method according to Clause 12, further comprising the step of:

[0161] The extension plate is mounted on the platform and slid in the longitudinal direction to increase the effective length of the platform.

[0162] Many modifications and other constructions of this disclosure will arise to those skilled in the art upon which this disclosure pertains, taking advantage of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. The constructions described herein are intended to be illustrative and not to be limiting or exhaustive. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A toggle-joint clamping tool system, the toggle-joint clamping tool system comprising: A pair of toggle clamps, each of the pair of toggle clamps comprising: A clamp base, the clamp base being configured to be pivotally connected to a mounting point on the structure; A clamping arm, said clamping arm being pivotally connected at one end to said clamping base at an arm-base pivot point, and having clamping legs at opposite ends for abutting against a surface of said structure, and said clamping arm being movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position, said clamping arm being unable to pivot back from said eccentric position away from said surface toward said disengaged position; and A tool configured to be removably mounted on the clamp base of each of the pair of toggle clamps when coupled to the structure.

2. The toggle clamping tool system according to claim 1, wherein, Each elbow clamp includes: A lever, wherein one end of the lever is pivotally connected to the base of the clamp at a lever-base pivot point, and the lever has a lever handle at the opposite end of the lever; A link, wherein one end of the link is connected to the clamp arm at a link-arm pivot point located between the arm-base pivot point and the clamp leg, and the opposite end is connected to the lever at a link-lever pivot point located between the lever-base pivot point and the lever handle; and Specifically, by pulling the lever handle until the link-lever pivot point moves beyond the dead point position, the clamp arm can move from the disengaged position to the eccentric position. At the dead point position, the lever-base pivot point, the link-arm pivot point, and the link-lever pivot point are aligned with each other.

3. The elbow clamping tool system according to claim 2, wherein: The clamp base has a clamp attachment fitting configured to be removably attached to the mounting point on the structure; and Each toggle clamp has a lever with a U-shaped configuration that spans the clamp arm in such a way that the lever handle is positioned on the same side of the clamp arm as the clamp attachment fitting.

4. The toggle clamping tool system according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the pair of toggle clamps has a compression adjustment mechanism with a compression pad, and the compression adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the clamping pressure of the compression pad against the surface when the clamp arm moves to the eccentric position.

5. The toggle clamping tool system according to claim 1, wherein, The fixture base includes: A base arm having a base upper portion and the base upper portion including a clamp attachment fitting configured to attach to the mounting point on the structure, and the clamp arm being pivotally connected to the base arm at an arm-base pivot point; and A pair of base side plates are mounted on opposite sides of the base arm and define a side plate gap configured to receive the clamp arm at the arm-base pivot point.

6. The toggle clamping tool system according to claim 1, wherein: The clamp base includes one or more assembly pins extending through the clamp base; and The tool has a pair of tool legs, and each tool leg includes one or more recesses configured to receive on one or more assembly pins in the base of the clamp, thereby supporting the tool on the pair of toggle clamps.

7. The toggle clamping tool system according to claim 1, wherein: The tools include platforms.

8. The toggle clamping tool system according to claim 7, further comprising: A debris tray is configured to collect debris that falls onto the platform, and the platform has a platform opening configured to receive the debris tray.

9. A toggle-joint clamping tool system, the toggle-joint clamping tool system comprising: A pair of toggle clamps, each of the pair of toggle clamps comprising: The clamp base has a clamp attachment accessory configured to be removably attached to a mounting point on the fuselage of the aircraft. A clamping arm, pivotally connected at one end to a clamping base at an arm-base pivot point, and having clamping legs at opposite ends for abutting against a surface of the machine body; the clamping arm is movable from a disengaged position to an eccentric position, and the clamping arm cannot pivot back from the eccentric position away from the surface toward the disengaged position; and A platform is configured to be removably supported on the base of each of the pair of toggle clamps when coupled to the aircraft, and the platform is sized to cover the temporary gap between the fuselage and the wing during the assembly of the aircraft.

10. A method for connecting a platform to a structure, the method comprising the steps of: The base of each of the two toggle clamps is connected to one of a pair of spaced-apart mounting points on the structure. The clamping arm of each of the pair of toggle clamps is pivoted about the arm-base pivot point so that the clamping arm moves from the disengaged position to an eccentric position, in which the clamping arm cannot pivot back in the opposite direction toward the disengaged position when the clamping leg at one end of the clamping arm contacts the surface of the structure. as well as Mount the tool onto the pair of toggle clamps.

Images